Deputy Manager, Operations, Safeguarding & Compliance

Overview

For over 23 years, Chilton Meadows Day Nursery has proudly been a family-owned and family-run setting, deeply rooted in our community. We are a safe and nurturing place of belonging where children, families, and staff feel valued, supported, and truly at home.

To maintain the highest standards of care, education, and safeguarding, Chilton Meadows Day Nursery operates a distributed leadership model consisting of three Deputy Manager roles, each with a clear specialist focus.

• Curriculum & Quality Lead
• SEND & Inclusion Lead
• Operations, Safeguarding & Compliance

This structure ensures:

• Strong oversight of curriculum and outcomes
• Inclusive and responsive practice for all children
• Robust operational and safeguarding compliance
• Clear accountability and leadership progression

Each Deputy Manager holds strategic responsibility within their specialism while working collaboratively to ensure consistent, high-quality provision. All deputies work collaboratively under the direction of the Nursery Manager and Managing Director.

The Deputy Manager, Operations, Safeguarding and Compliance Lead is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient and compliant day-to-day running of the nursery. The post holder will lead on safeguarding culture, health and safety, regulatory compliance and operational organisation to ensure the nursery consistently meets statutory requirements and maintains high standards of care and professionalism.

This role ensures that strong practice is underpinned by secure systems, clear procedures and a safe environment in which children, families and staff can thrive. The Deputy Manager will uphold the ethos of Chilton Meadows Day Nursery, ensuring a safe, nurturing and well-organised environment where children feel secure and valued.

• Acts as Manager in the absence of the Nursery Manager.
• Has delegated responsibility for operational oversight of the nursery.
• Supports staff deployment and ratio management.
• Has authority to address operational concerns and escalate where necessary.
• Has delegated responsibility for monitoring safeguarding and compliance systems.
• Works collaboratively with the leadership team to ensure effective daily running.

The post holder is accountable to the Nursery Manager and Directors for operational effectiveness and compliance.

• Support the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Ensure staffing ratios are maintained at all times.
• Support staff deployment to meet operational needs.
• Monitor attendance, punctuality and staff presence.
• Promote consistent daily routines and organisation.
• Support room transitions and safe supervision of children.
• Promote and maintain a strong safeguarding culture.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).
• Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead in managing concerns.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed consistently.
• Monitor safeguarding recording and reporting systems.
• Support staff understanding of safeguarding responsibilities.
• Ensure all children remain safe and well supervised at all times.

• Support implementation of all health and safety procedures.
• Monitor risk assessments and safe working practices.
• Ensure fire safety and emergency procedures are understood and followed.
• Support lockdown and emergency planning procedures.
• Ensure compliance with EYFS statutory welfare requirements.
• Maintain readiness for inspection and regulatory visits.
• Support maintenance of accurate compliance documentation.

• Promote high standards of professionalism and conduct.
• Support consistent implementation of nursery policies and procedures.
• Address operational issues promptly and appropriately.
• Support induction of new staff in relation to operational procedures.
• Promote positive communication and teamwork.

• Work collaboratively with the Curriculum & Quality Deputy and SEND & Inclusion Deputy.
• Share relevant information to support children and staff.
• Contribute to leadership meetings and improvement planning.
• Support a consistent and unified…